Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 vs Dufour 32 Classic — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 | Dufour 32 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Dufour |
| Year | 2016 | 1995–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Marc Lombard | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.34 m (33.9 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| LWL | 9.35 m (30.7 ft) | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.39 m (11.1 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 and Dufour 32 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 was penned by Marc Lombard. The Dufour 32 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 measures 10.34m (33.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.39m, compared to the Dufour 32 Classic at 9.70m (31.8ft) with a 3.20m beam. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 is 0.64m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 displaces approximately 16% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.60 and 52.0 m² of sail area. The Dufour 32 Classic, with an SA/D of 16.78 and 45.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Dufour 32 Classic has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 30.8% for the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 and 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The Dufour 32 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 32 Classic is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 · Dufour 32 Classic